Climate change
The Department of Justice and Attorney-General acknowledges the impact of climate change on the environment and continues to act as part of a whole-of-government approach to energy management and water conservation which aims to:
- promote smarter ways of managing energy across government
- incorporate energy management into a whole-of-life approach to asset management
- reduce overall costs to government and the community by being more energy-efficient, and
- fulfil a commitment to care for the environment.
Energy management
The department ensures energy efficient air conditioning and lighting technology are incorporated into the design of all new and refurbished courthouses. This includes:
- motion sensors that lower lighting and air conditioning levels when rooms are unoccupied
- energy efficient T5 lighting
- economy-cycle air conditioning systems that uses outside air when condition permits
- extensive use of passive sun control and low-energy glass
- solar panel collectors that preheat the hot water supplies to the building
- building designs that address and minimise the impact of direct sunlight in occupied areas on users and air conditioning loads, and
- state-of-the-art Building Management Systems to provide energy saving and safety features.
Renewable energy
In addition to implementing energy efficient technology the department has taken major steps towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable, environmentally sustainable forms of energy. In 2006 the department entered into an agreement to purchase 100% renewable energy for a three year period for six of its largest courts in south-east Queensland.
This purchase of renewable energy is equivalent to:
- taking 9,286 unleaded motor cars off the road for 1 year
- powering 5,200 Queensland households for a year, or
- planting 157,857 trees.
The purchase of renewable energy is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Water conservation
In accordance with current water restriction requirements:
- water audits have been completed for the Brisbane Supreme and District Courts, Brisbane Magistrates Court, and Southport and Beenleigh courthouses
- water efficiency management plans for the Brisbane Supreme and District Courts, Brisbane Magistrates Courts and the Southport Courthouse have been completed and submitted to the respective councils
- a retrofit of water efficient fixtures and fittings has commenced at the Brisbane Supreme and District Courts and Brisbane Magistrates Court. A program to upgrade the air conditioning cooling towers to improve water efficiency is also planned to be undertaken.
Waste management
The department has a strategic waste management plan in place under the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000 to help guide its use of resources and waste.
The plan provides for ways for its 2,500 staff to avoid, minimise or treat appropriately departmental waste and to limit any adverse impact on the environment, workplace or public health.
The department continues to seek opportunities to expand its ongoing recycling program and improve its other waste management practices.
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